My dear Faith and kids and grandkids.  My prayers are with you.  This is a tough time and no words will change that.  Prayers do help and I ask God to protect you and bring you peace in your heart for the loss of Jed.  Cherish the memories and think of him often.  I hope every day gets easier to carry on.  Remember you are Loved.

I haven't seen Jed in many years but we had a lot of fun at the Worzalla house when we were younger.  I love the story of how Faith and Jed met.  He was a ton of fun!!!

God Bless,

Peggy Schaefer

I have been thinking about Jed and having trouble believing he is gone.  I first met Jed when Faith’s sister, Mary, and I traveled out east to visit Faith and Jed. I immediately felt welcome and Jed even encouraged me to take a spin on his motorcycle and check out the great trails behind their home that he enjoyed riding on.  Later, he introduced me to a friend of his whom was a member of the local volunteer fire department. We toured the local station and later, took a late night boat ride on the Hudson River, that I was not to tell anyone about. Jed lived long enough to grumble about all the ways this world has changed, as old boys will do. Yeah, Jed always had a sly grin and a story to tell about work, the kids or family back home, and of course the occasional jab at America and how he was not a citizen at that time, and therefore he was not responsible for the whole American mess.  I have many good memories of Jed and no bad ones. He was even tempered and looked quite sharp in a suit, although he did not wear one any longer than necessary. I will miss you, your accent, your good humor and the warm feeling of welcome whenever we met. I will miss you my friend. Very much. Love,  Ed Crean 

Although it's been a long time since we last met, I have fond memories of you, Jed. I remember your down-to-earth pragmatism ("Hindsight is 20/20") and your jolly laugh. I remember how you revived my Tamagotchi when it fell in the lake and I thought it was a goner. You were a loving and supportive father and grandfather who will be remembered fondly.

To his family, my deepest sympathies go out to you. I sincerely hope that you find comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace. Wishing you all the best.

Faith, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband! You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I simply adored Jeremy...he always had a smile and was ready to engage and laugh. His death makes me so sad and ny heart hurts for his family. 

I have worked with Jeremy for the past 22 years at RCTC in the IT dept.  I have so many fond memories of "The General", I can close my eyes and hear him laughing.  I have gone and sat in your office just thinking about you.  It's not fair what life threw at you these last few years, you fought with strength and courage.  I pray for Faith, kids and grandkids as I know losing a husband/father/Gpa is one of the hardest things a family has to go through.  Know that he loved each and every one of you!  He truly was a blessing to know and work with.  May your soul rest if peace Jeremy. Until we meet again my friend.

My sincere condolences. I worked with Jeremy at RCTC for several years. I remember Jeremy as a generous and warm. I loved his lively wit and keen sense of humor. He was a bit of the sun on even the dreariest of days. Godspeed Jeremy- wherever you are, until I see you next time. 

Even as RCTC colleagues for several years, I didn't have the pleasure of working directly with Jeremy. But when our paths crossed, how I enjoyed those conversations! I liked everything about Jeremy...his caring attitude, positive confidence, technical expertise, willingness to go above and beyond and his accent. Jeremy made RCTC a better place to work and learn. I missed him when I retired and now. Keeping Jeremy and his family in my thoughts and prayers. In deepest sympathy.

Okay this time I will use my words instead of my mother's poems. I always thought Faith's courtship with Jed was so romantic. Jed was quite brave to sell his guitars and motorcycles to follow Faith to the United States.  And Jed was a very smart man - he knew a good thing when he saw it!  He got himself a Worzala sister! 

 Then there was the whole bit about him living at the YMCA and girls weren't allowed to go in the men's sleeping areas.  We would have to sneak in to the YMCA to see Jed and Faith.  It all seemed so romantic and exciting  to me. And there was also a top secret wedding so Jed could stay in the US since his visa was going to expire.  And finally the official wedding.  The first wedding in the Worzala family!

It couldn't have been easy for Jed to start a new life in a foreign country, leaving his family and friends to follow his true love across the Atlantic Ocean.  And likewise it couldn't have been easy for his family to have Jed leave Cambridge and move to a new country to follow his dreams.  I know that Jed always put Faith and the kids first. Even before his guitars! (And that is saying something! As  a musician's wife myself for the past 37 years, I've talked with some musicians' wives that truly wonder if their husbands put their music first then their family). Luckily for Faith and me, our husbands put their family first.

Music is such a wonderful gift to share with others.  Music is magic. Love is magic.  Beauty is magic.  And during this past week looking at all the photos  I have of Jed, Faith, Steph, Jonnie, Adrienne. Brad, Elisa, Chase and Oliver over the years , it is so evident that Jed was happy, and a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.  Jed has lived a magical life filled with love, music, beauty and laughter!  The Worzala family is so lucky he chased after Faith! We will always love him.

Oh darling Adrienne, Jonnie, Steph, and my dear dear sister Faith.  I feel your pain, joy and happiness over Jed's beautiful life.  Faith, you are so brave  and strong just like Jed. Adrienne , Jonnie, and Steph, I know you are still so young , but you too are all brave and strong just like your daddy/grandaddy.  Jed is with us in our hearts always and no one can take that away from us.   And dear Julia, I can't imagine what it is like losing an only sibling. Coming from a family of 9 children I simply can't fathom what it is like.  I would love to know more about you and your family.  I have heard so much about you, but alas have never met you.  I hope you can share with us some of the photos and stories of Jed's youth. Courage to you, be brave.  You are family and we are here for you and your family too! Remember that.  

"Life Should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in  an attractive well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand and strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming  Whoo! Hoo! What a ride!" - Author Unknown

The last time I saw Jed in person was at Steph's wedding.  He was so happy and proud of his family.  That is the memory of him I will hold in my heart and when it is my time to follow him I want to get a ride on the back of one of his motorcycles!  Whoo! Hoo! What a ride!

At times like these it is so hard to find words to describe someone and their essence, their soul. When words fail one turns to poems.  My mother Diane Nanny had quite a knack for poems.  

Deaths- Some punch at the heart. Some leave scars or bruises. One stabbed deep.  Then there was the one that broke my heart in two and took one half away.-Diane M. Chase Worzala

You are Everywhere- You are in the tree. chickadees that march alone the bare branch, you are in the peach and blue of the winter sunset. You are in the round-faced moon that floats across the ghostly sky, you are in the view from the tall building overlooking the lake shore where you died.  You are everywhere and nowhere. -Diane M. C.Worzala

A Seahorse Dancing - This morning I saw a seahorse dancing on the lawn.  "Why are you here?," I asked.  "I love the tickling of the grass," he said.  "I would like to stay here and by your joy."  "But if you do, you'll die," I said.  "But I'll leave you with a beautiful memory," he replied. - Diane M. C. Worzala

To My Daughters - Warm and womanly I would have you be. Laughing mouths beneath eyes that see beauty, death and the holy life playing beneath the Cross.

Be strong women dears, quick to laughter slow to tears, compassion your vocation beneath the Cross your station.

I like to think Jed is with Madison, his parents, and my parents hanging out together.  Thanks Diane/Mom  for going to Cambridge for your dissertation research.  Bringing Jed into the Worzala family was truly a gift from above.  Jed we love you and hear your music in the sky and I suspect my brother is dancing to your guitar.

Year after year the Worzala siblings and their families would gather in Madison for Christmas celebrations. That’s where I first got to know Jed Sell, experiencing his dry wit and wicked sense of humor. His admiration for the Grinch got many of us replacing the words to the iconic song, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Sell…we’ll all share drinks in hell!” and so forth. Jed’s daughter Stephanie joined Robin and I in our devotion to Ren & Stimpy, which show featured a fake advertisement for Blammo’s “Log”, which you could dress up like a Barbie. In addition to delivering wrapped packages of coal to Jed at Christmas, one year we wrapped up an actual log and presented it to him. Of course he received it graciously, with a smile. There was something about Jed’s British accent, his rosy cheeks, dry wit and sense of humor which made me think of him in a 19^th-century vein and that, one day, led me to immortalize him as a 19^th-century gold-miner suffering winter’s in Colorado’s goldfields: “Jedediah Sell only had one eye, but he could see more with that one single eye than either ever you or I”. I don’t know if Jed ever heard my rendition of the song and it certainly didn’t reflect any reality about Jed himself, but it gave Robin and I a grin. And a grin is what I offer Jed now as I feel sure he would want me to smile every time I think about him. Wish we could have spent more time with him over the years, but we will certainly cherish those times we had.

My deepest condolences to Jeremy’s family.  As you all most likely already know, Jeremy had a unique impact on people he met and worked with.  As a colleague of his at RCTC, what impacted me most about Jeremy was his unique combination of attributes: his quiet-competence, kindness, humor, openness to ideas, and the joyful sharing of his knowledge and skills.  

Anytime I turned to Jeremy with technical issue with various equipment sets that I used with students, I was fortunate to experience how solutions to  “problems” should be approached… care, knowledge, the joy of working on solutions, and sharing freely.  What a joy to be taught and reminded of so many life-lessons in such a beautifully subtle way.  He taught by his actions.

Thanks Jeremy, you will be missed and remembered in our actions.

Jeremy was such a kind, gentle, and respectful colleague at RCTC! May you find solace in knowing how much he is missed by so many of us because of his positive and  friendly nature. He made the world a better place!

Sending so much love to the Sell-Worzala family. Although I didn’t get to know Uncle Jed as well as I wish I could have, I’ve heard so many wonderful stories from my mom and others and I will forever cherish all of the existing memories I do have. 

I have so many fond memories of Jed, going all the way back to those days in Cambridge when he saw me as Faith’s bratty little sister (which I’m pretty sure I was….). Musician, technical genius, car/motorcycle guy, husband, father, grandfather. Jed touched so many lives and will be missed. Holding him and his loving family in my heart. 

Dear Faith, Steph, Jonnie and all the kids,

Jeremy will be missed by so many.  I have always enjoyed spending time with him and regret that I did not get to MN for the wedding or last year when I had planned to visit.    He always made me smile and his laugh would fill the room.   His British sense of humor…the dry sense of humor…always made me laugh.  

I was fortunate to have met him when I was as 16 so he has been part of my life for a long time.  I am so grateful that he has been part of our family for so long.  In good times and not so good times he was there.  

Jed, you will always be remembered as the first in-law and you trained the others well.   We will miss you.   Rest in peace.  

Love to you all, Elaine Worzalq

Jed was a special man. The first time I saw Jed he was performing as a future rock star back in Cambridge in 1978. He loved his music, his family and his friends. And he was always a star - gentle, kind, loving with an infectious laugh - we all love you and miss you dearly! 

Jed came into my life when he followed Faith to Madison in 1978 or thereabouts. He was the cool, British musician one month older than me. Soon thereafter, he came to work with me at Wilson St East. I don't think Jed had a prior passion for the culinary arts but he quickly developed one. We shared that passion and bonded initially over food.

Over the decades, we shared the challenges and joys of raising our children, work and life. I spent countless hours with Jed in lively discussion on every imaginable topic. I will miss his unique and warm presence during my visits to Rochester. While he won't be with us physically, those memories will stay with us forever. So many memories...

Faith, Steph, Jon, Adrienne - we will keep Jed close in our hearts. He is still with us in those beautiful memories. He was loved by so many. My deepest condolences to you and all of us who loved him. With all my love and together in sorrow for his loss. Mary

Faith, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences in the passing of your husband. You and your family are in our prayers.

- Daniel Flores

Oh my heart hurts today as I learned of Jeremy's passing.  I work at RCTC in the Sports Center.   I always loved to hear his calming voice in the office area when he popped over to fix something or work on the next project.  You knew he would get it right.

You will be missed my friend.

Oh, how Jeremy will be missed!

Just saying hello to him brightened my day.  He knew my name, though we worked in completely different areas of RCTC.  He always greeted me with a smile.  He radiated kindness and joy even when times were rough.  

Oh, I will miss him.  He was a very special person.

Karin

My thoughts and prayers for grace and patience as your family travels the quest of grief.  As an RCTC employee, I often often would pass Jeremy in the hallway and HE ALWAYS would pause and say hello and we would have a quick chat.  A true gem of a man.  He will be missed indeed.  Carry the love and memories close to your hearts and minds.  He may not physically be here but he will always be with you. 

Blessings, 

Paula Carlsen

I knew Jeremy for about 7 years at RCTC and he was always cordial and would fix any technology issue in our classrooms at the college.  He was outgoing and fun to be around. 

This is a lovely tribute to Jed. My heart goes out to you all.  I met Jed just before he and Faith got married,  and I remember being so happy for her that she had met someone so wonderful.  He will truly be missed.  One of my memories of Jed comes from the later years when he came to "Aunt Nancy's " cabin. The joy he had fishing was delightful to see. My mom loved having him there, it made her very happy to share Shonas with all of you.  Faith, Stephanie,  Johnny, Adrienne and all Jed's family, my heart hurts for you. He will be missed.

Goodbye seems so final. I don’t like it, I never have. I don’t believe you did either, seeing as neither of us were very good at letting go. There was never a doubt that you loved me and I loved you. Even when I thought I knew better, turns out you were right, I didn’t know better. You were there for every moment, the wonderful ones of you and mom walking me down the aisle to Brad, and even the incredibly heart breaking moments, sitting in the hospital with Madison there’s no one else I would’ve had. I have all these pictures, that capture your love for me, but they’ll never capture the feeling of being loved by you. I had your love from the first breath I took to the last one you took. I still text your phone, hoping for a reply, telling you how my day was, your thoughts. Missing you will come in waves, you will never be lost to me, you’ll still be here. The past two years we’re trying for you but I loved every coffee date, watching you light up. I miss the music, the laughter and stories. I am so proud to call you my dad, you never missed a chance to tell me how proud you were of me. I love you daddy, it’s gonna be different here on earth without you. 

I don't wanna say goodbye poppy but I have to I'll miss you, I'll miss you helping everyone, asking how school was everyday. I'll even miss going fishing with you up at the cabin. I'll miss you watching over me cook. I'll miss how you never failed to teach me new things. Sadly you won't be able to teach me how to fix cars, see me graduate, see me watch down the isle but I hope you'll watch over me. Thank you for always helping, always caring, putting up with Greg and I with always giving a ride, for helping me with the computer even when you were going through hard times. I'll miss watching the birds with you, going to car shows with you, going to McDonalds, yelling at and scarring away the squirrels with you and the bunnies. Thank you poppy I love you and will forever miss you ❤ ~ A

Jeremy was not just a colleague or a friend; he was a remarkable individual whose presence left a profound impact on all who knew him. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication were evident in every interaction I had with him. I fondly recall the countless hours we spent engaged in enriching conversations about a myriad of topics ranging from life and work to fixing things and beyond. Jeremy's breadth of knowledge and genuine curiosity made each exchange a learning experience, and for that, I am immensely grateful.

His work ethic was unparalleled, a testament to his commitment to excellence. When Jeremy set his mind to a task, he pursued it with unwavering determination until it was completed flawlessly. He generously shared his expertise, introducing me to innovative solutions and perspectives that have enriched my life in countless ways.

Jeremy's passion for life was infectious, evident in his diverse interests spanning from music and guitars to motorcycles and movies. His vibrant spirit and genuine desire to spread joy touched the lives of everyone around him. I will forever cherish our shared love for films, particularly our memorable outings to watch James Bond and Mission Impossible movies. The laughter we shared amidst the deafening sound of the IMAX theater remains etched in my memory as a testament to Jeremy's zest for life.

In my daily interactions with Jeremy, whether at work or in leisure, he never failed to brighten my day with his infectious enthusiasm and engaging conversations. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, and his presence will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

To Jeremy's family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find solace in the cherished memories you shared with Jeremy and may his legacy of kindness and joy continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

With deepest sympathy,

Greg Frana

It’s way too soon to be saying Goodbye Jeremy. Even with your recent health issues, I in no way saw this coming!

Even though I’ve only known you for a few short years, it seems like we’ve been friends forever. We shared so many of the same interest and hobbies. I was hoping we’d be able to continue to share those interest and hobbies for many more years to come. Unfortunately life had other plans.

Its going to be strange to not have you joining Dave C. and myself for our pilgrimage’s to Dave’s Guitars Shop in LaCrosse. Those were ALWAYS such Great times!! Wish the three of us could have gone there together just one more time!! Many more times!!!

Take care Jeremy,, you’re in a better place now. You have your health back, there’s no more pain, and you’re with loved ones who went before.

You will be missed by Many Jeremy! Knowing you, you’re probably wondering what all the “fuss” is about. It’s about you being a Great friend, a Great Dad, a Great coworker,, and just you being a GREAT Guy!

So long for now Jeremy. We will Lord willing meet again. And rest assured that every time I go though those doors at Dave’s Guitars I’ll be thinking of you..

Dave M.

It is so hard to say goodbye to you, Jeremy. We played together as children, laughing and crying together through happy times and sad. I treasure my warm memories of our family Christmases, the midsummer fairgrounds, seaside holidays on wind-swept Norfolk cliffs in England, and the glorious sandy beaches on the Isle of Wight. You could always get your kite to fly, catch the biggest fish, win every race and mend anything you touched. Your teenage years were filled with music and motorbikes. Hugely talented as an electric guitarist, you loved raising the roof with those 1970s rock anthems together with your band. I loved being your little sister. You were my hero, my cool big brother, my star. It was a joy to see you start your own family with your wonderful wife, Faith, and to see your happiness making a life together across the Atlantic. It's far, far too soon to have lost you but this deep sorrow is outweighed by love, pride and gratitude in my heart for having had you in my life.

To your wonderful family and devoted friends, I offer my heartfelt sympathies and love. I know we will cherish our memories of Jeremy and celebrate his life every day in all we do. 

I had the pleasure of working with Jeremy for over 10 years at RCTC. Jeremy was always patient with me asking silly questions about the royal family, what a cockney accent was, and reliving Monty Python sketches. Jeremy was great at fixing random things - especially any musical instrument. I picked up a guitar at a garage sale once for 5 bucks that had 4 strings and didn't work. I brought it in to show to my friends. When I got back from lunch, it sounded like a rock concert in the room. Jeremy and Dave rewired the guitar so it worked and strung new strings on it. He was great at explaining the 70s British punk scene to me and turned me on to The Stranglers. I will miss our inside jokes, erecting the giant video screen together and his infectious belly laugh.

Bob's your Uncle, Jeremy. You left a great impression on me.